For a big mountain experience with a small mountain feel, community owned and operated Eaglecrest Ski Area offers 640 acres of groomed trails, extensive backcountry, a terrain park and panoramic views up and down the Inside Passage. Not extreme enough? Find untouched powder and countless “faceshots” on a heli-skiing adventure in the southern Chilkats of the Alaska Coast Range or the mountains surrounding the Juneau Icefield. Mellower thrill seekers can enjoy snowshoeing and Nordic skiing on Juneau’s extensive trail system—with dozens of miles regularly groomed for both classic and skate. Or blaze your own path, for example, across frozen, iceberg-studded Mendenhall Lake to come face-to-face with Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite local winter pastime. And the activities don’t stop there. Juneau also boasts ice-skating (both pond and rink), ice fishing (pond only, please), ice climbing, snow biking and snow-machining (FYI, that’s what Alaskans call snowmobiles).

When your day ends, come in from the cold at one of Juneau’s many restaurants, bars and cafes. Experience the full splendor of an Alaska winter in a part of Alaska that’s closer, warmer and lighter than you might think: a quick two-and-a-half hour flight from Seattle, with average temperatures in the 20s and 30s, and even at its darkest, six-and-half hours of daylight; by March, the days grow twice as long. And the best part? For now, Juneau remains off the beaten path, which means great deals on airfare, accommodations, car rentals and more. But most importantly: no crowds. So get to know winter in Juneau… before everyone else does.